1901 - 1930: Finding Ways to Serve More Clients

As more and more working mothers sought child care services, both the day nursery facility and the Society's organization needed attention. In 1901, the group rented a house at 518 West Vermont. Then, on December 20, 1901, the Day Nursery Association was established. The Articles of Incorporation were drawn up and signed by Belle C. Wilson, Julia F. Walk, Grace H. Smith, Grace H. Brown, and Grace H. Wood.

Within a few years, the Vermont Street quarters became inadequate, and the adjoining property on the east was added. This was used for children left for the day only, while the main building housed children who boarded by the week. By 1927, to accommodate the agency's growth, Day Nursery purchased a 15-room house and brick building at 542 Lockerbie Street, next door to the James Whitcomb Riley home. A gym/auditorium was added in 1941.